How to Write a Persuasive Speech
Giving a persuasive speech can be an intimidating assignment. Convincing an audience in only a few minutes is
much harder than giving an informational speech in the same amount of time. Knowing how to write a persuasive
speech will help you to prepare fully and, therefore, successfully present a prevailing argument that will capture the
attention of your audience.
Instructions
o 1 Choose a topic that can be thoroughly covered in the amount of time assigned. You won't be able
to cover all of the points if the topic is too broad, resulting in a poor argument. For instance, a topic on
global warming would be too large, but convincing the audience of the effects of global warming on the
local economy is more plausible. Your topic should be important to you, otherwise you will never be
able to present it with the emotion necessary for persuasion.
o 2 Make your argument relevant to the audience. Do not bore listeners with a topic that could never
involve them. You cannot persuade someone if there is no common ground. Floridians would not care
about the dangers of swimming in an Arkansan lake. Also take into account the type of audience.
Tailor your argument to the age or world views of the listeners.
o 3 Use lots of evidences, examples, statistics, quotes, or true stories throughout the speech. Be
sure they come from credible sources. The more backup you include, the more convincing your
argument will be. Don't forget to cite your sources. Simply state the author and the location (book title,
web page, article and journal name) before the evidence. You may also want to include the author's
credentials.
o 4 A good argument will present the other side and thoroughly dispel it point-by-point. Avoid derisive
comments as this could offend the audience and make your argument appear overly emotional.
Instead, present the other side generously with an understanding of why others choose that stance.
o 5 Finally, present an action, a way to involve the audience. Hand out pamphlets with a list of ways
to help the cause. Give out stationary and envelopes addressed to a congressman. The point is to give
the audience the tools to easily take the next step, otherwise they will leave the room convinced but
too busy to research how to get involved.
Persuasive Speech Outline Format
General Purpose:
Specific Purpose:
